Apple is defending itself against accusations of deception by arguing that the 3G networks in Australia are similar to 4G networks in the United States.

Apple is defending itself against accusations of deception by arguing that the 3G networks in Australia are similar to 4G networks in the United States.

Apple’s new iPad came into criticism Down Under, as the product is marketed as being capable of “WiFi + 4G”. But the high speed LTE networks in Australia are not compatible with the iPad. Apple agreed to issue a refund to customers who were dissatisfied with network speeds, after a complaint from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The company did not agree, however, to stop marketing their product as being 4G capable.

4G LTE networks in Australia operate on different frequencies than those in the United States. As such, the iPad cannot connect with them. But since the product can connect with Australian HSPA+ networks, Apple argues that it can essentially connect to 4G. HSPA+ is marketed by some wireless carriers in the United States as a 4G network, since it qualifies as 4G under the standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In Australia, however, HSPA+ is recognized as a 3G carrier, being significantly slower than Australia’s LTE networks.

This case is expected to be heard by Australian Federal Court in May of this year. As Apple is essentially arguing that Australian standards for network speed are higher than those in the United States, it is conceivable that this ordeal will lower the reputation of U.S cellular networks abroad.